Relive the historic 1953 expedition where Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to conquer Mount Everest. Discover their journey, challenges, and the legacy of one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering history.”
Conquering Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary
On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first human beings to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. This achievement was the culmination of years of planning and preparation, as well as the dedication and hard work of the entire expedition team. In this essay, I will discuss the background of the Everest expedition, the challenges faced by Hillary and Norgay, and the significance of their achievement.
The idea of climbing Mount Everest first came to Hillary’s mind in 1949 when he joined a New Zealand Alpine Club reconnaissance expedition to the southern approach of the mountain in Nepal. During that expedition, Hillary saw Everest for the first time and was immediately drawn to it. He was not the only one, as many other climbers and explorers were attempting to be the first to reach the summit. In 1951, the British Mount Everest Expedition was organized to take on the challenge of reaching the summit. Hillary was invited to join the expedition as a climber, but he was not initially chosen for the final ascent team.
The final ascent team for the British Mount Everest Expedition was led by Colonel John Hunt and consisted of Hillary, Norgay, Charles Evans, Tom Bourdillon, George Lowe, Alfred Gregory, Michael Ward, and Griffith Pugh. The team spent months preparing for the climb, acclimatizing to the altitude, and mapping out the best route to the summit. They also had to overcome a number of technical challenges, including the use of oxygen tanks, the design of suitable clothing and equipment, and the creation of a secure base camp.
On May 26, the final ascent team left the South Col and began the long and grueling climb to the summit. The team faced numerous challenges along the way, including extreme cold, high winds, and difficult terrain. At one point, Bourdillon and Evans made it to the South Summit, but they were forced to turn back due to problems with their oxygen equipment. This left Hillary and Norgay as the only remaining members of the final ascent team.
Despite the odds, Hillary and Norgay continued their climb, and on the morning of May 29, they finally reached the summit of Mount Everest. Hillary described the moment as “a feeling of great satisfaction and relief, mixed with a certain sadness that it was all over.” Norgay added, “I felt like I was stepping on the top of a cloud like I was walking in the sky.” The two climbers spent only 15 minutes on the summit before beginning their descent, as they knew the dangers of spending too much time at high altitudes.
The significance of Hillary and Norgay’s achievements cannot be overstated. They had not only climbed the world’s highest mountain, but they had also proved that it was possible to do so. Their success opened the door for future climbers to attempt the same feat, and it inspired countless others to push the boundaries of human achievement. Hillary went on to become a renowned mountaineer and adventurer, while Norgay became a national hero in Nepal and an icon of Himalayan climbing.
In conclusion, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s conquest of Mount Everest was a historic achievement that required years of planning, preparation, and hard work. Their climb tested their physical and mental limits and required them to overcome numerous challenges. Their success inspired others to follow in their footsteps and helped to usher in a new era of mountaineering and exploration. Their legacy continues to this day, and their names will forever be associated with one of the greatest accomplishments in human history. 0 0 0.
Edmund Hillary: Brief Biography
Early Life and Background
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand. Raised in a modest family, Hillary developed a fascination with adventure and the outdoors from a young age. He attended Auckland Grammar School, where his interest in mountaineering began during a school trip to Mount Ruapehu. Although he initially pursued a career as a beekeeper like his father, his passion for climbing grew, leading him to tackle New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Mountaineering Career and the Historic Everest Ascent
Hillary’s mountaineering prowess was well-established by the time he joined the British Everest Expedition of 1953, led by John Hunt. On May 29, 1953, at the age of 33, Hillary, along with his climbing partner Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, became the first known people to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. This monumental achievement brought them worldwide fame and made Hillary a household name. The success of their expedition was hailed as a symbol of human endurance and international cooperation.
Later Life and Achievements
Following his conquest of Everest, Hillary continued his adventures, participating in expeditions to the South Pole and leading a jet boat expedition up India’s Ganges River. He also devoted much of his life to philanthropy, especially in Nepal, where he founded the Himalayan Trust in 1960. His efforts helped build schools, hospitals, and infrastructure for the Sherpa communities, whom he greatly admired and credited for his successes.
Personal Life
Edmund Hillary married Louise Mary Rose in 1953, and they had three children: Peter, Sarah, and Belinda. Sadly, Louise and Belinda died in a plane crash in Nepal in 1975. Hillary later married June Mulgrew, the widow of his close friend Peter Mulgrew, in 1989.
Legacy and Honors
Edmund Hillary received numerous accolades for his achievements, including being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II shortly after his Everest success. He was also made a member of the Order of the Garter and received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan from India. His legacy extends beyond mountaineering, as he is remembered for his humanitarian work and contributions to the communities of Nepal.
Death and Legacy
Sir Edmund Hillary passed away on January 11, 2008, at the age of 88 in Auckland, New Zealand. His life and achievements continue to inspire mountaineers and adventurers worldwide. He is celebrated not only as a legendary climber but also as a humble humanitarian who made a lasting impact on the people and the mountains he loved.
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Sources: Conquering Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary
- Hillary, E. (1955). High adventure. Hodder & Stoughton.
- Hunt, J. (1954). The ascent of Everest. Hodder.
Conquering Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary
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N.B. Â The article ‘Conquering Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary’ originally belongs to the book ‘Essays on Science And Technology‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Conquering Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary
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